Chapter Twenty-Five: Confirming the Plan! The Sharpshooter in the Dead of Night

"Boss Chen and our leader have come up with a major plan," he said. "They’re going to join forces to wipe out the leader of another faction—the Madman." "To do this, Boss Chen..."

Soon, Zhang Six revealed all the information he knew.

Lu Kai, however, voiced his skepticism. "Brother Six, what you’re saying sounds a bit far-fetched." "Boss Chen did mention wanting to get rid of the Madman, but this plan just doesn’t sound real to me." "Even if the Madman doesn’t know who Boss Chen really is, he wouldn’t trust him so easily and just take him away, would he?"

It was obvious there was something off about the whole situation.

He even began to suspect that Zhang Six was making up the story—to muddle through and perhaps stir up trouble in their base, giving his own leader an opportunity to annex New City Base.

With this in mind, Lu Kai warily touched the pistol at his waist.

"No, it really is like this!" Zhang Six insisted. "You have no idea—Boss Chen is incredibly powerful!" "He led a battle that earned everyone’s admiration!"

Zhang Six, seeing his words weren’t fully trusted, started to elaborate, describing scenes he’d witnessed in detail.

Lu Kai and Chu Yunxi exchanged a glance and nodded. They’d already formed some conclusions in their minds.

What Zhang Six said now seemed a bit more credible, especially regarding Chen Yi’s prowess. If you hadn’t seen it with your own eyes, it was hard to believe a single person could be so formidable.

And as a commander, Chen Yi’s abilities were even more impressive. It seemed he hadn’t lied about that part. But whether certain details had been altered was impossible to say.

Chu Yunxi then spoke, "You sound earnest, but how can you prove it?"

"Proof? Yes, I have proof!" Zhang Six seemed to have been waiting for this moment, excitement flashing across his face. He reached for something at his waist.

Lu Kai frowned, drew his gun, and barked, "Don’t move! Hands up!"

Zhang Six was startled, too frightened to move, and followed instructions, explaining, "Hey, I’m not trying anything—what I need is in my back pocket."

Lu Kai said nothing, but slowly approached, reaching into the rear pocket. He pulled out a cell phone, its screen half shattered.

"You mean this is your proof?" Lu Kai questioned.

"Yes, I found this phone in a shopping mall—it’s the most intact one with the most battery left." "There are photos inside that can prove everything I said," Zhang Six nodded quickly, not daring to delay. Any slower and Lu Kai might have put a few holes in him to let him breathe easier.

Chu Yunxi slid open the phone’s screen; there was no password, so she accessed it directly. Opening the album, the first few photos were of a table, with a single character written on it: "Cloud."

Such a simple word, yet it made Chu Yunxi pause in surprise.

"What do you think?" Lu Kai asked. "Does it have anything to do with Boss Chen?"

Lu Kai leaned in for a look, but didn’t see why that word could prove Zhang Six was telling the truth.

Chu Yunxi explained, "I remember when we were at school, Chen Yi’s handwriting looked exactly like this. The stroke matches his style, though it’s a bit rushed. I suspect it was written in a situation where he couldn’t be discovered."

Lu Kai was astonished. "Sister-in-law, you have such a good memory?"

Hearing Lu Kai call her sister-in-law, Chu Yunxi’s cheeks flushed slightly. But remembering the urgency of the situation, she composed herself. "I’m not just good-looking; before the apocalypse, I consistently ranked in the top two of the school." "Remembering something like this isn’t difficult."

Lu Kai was impressed. "No wonder Boss Chen took a liking to you—you’re amazing!" "So, you noticed Boss Chen back then? Seems like you two are truly meant for each other!"

Chu Yunxi felt another wave of shyness, but maintained a calm facade. She looked at Zhang Six and said, "This word is in Chen Yi’s handwriting, so my trust in you has increased." "Is it because you saw this that you came to inform us?"

Zhang Six nodded repeatedly, finally feeling he had explained himself clearly.

"Good. Since it’s Chen Yi’s plan, we’ll definitely carry it out." "We’ll mobilize everyone able to fight shortly," Chu Yunxi decided to trust him this time. After all, their base had to act regardless.

She then warned sternly, "If your leader, Hu Sanhan, is lying, then New City Base will fight your people head-on." "Even if we can’t beat you, at worst none of us survive!"

Zhang Six’s heart skipped a beat at her words, unable to help but think: Chen Yi’s woman is truly extraordinary!

"You can go back for now," Chu Yunxi said. "We’ll arrange everything according to the planned schedule." "If we need to contact anyone, it’ll be you. We don’t trust anyone else."

Chu Yunxi’s cold gaze fixed on him.

"Yes, I understand," Zhang Six nodded, appreciating her caution. Besides, he wasn’t a liar—delivering a message was no problem. Once the cooperation was established, he’d be the bridge between them, and surely benefit greatly. He wouldn’t give up such a lucrative role.

After sending him off, Chu Yunxi and Lu Kai started assigning personnel, setting ambushes along the road Chen Yi had described.

"Everyone, stay sharp!" Lu Kai rallied the base before departure. "This is the key to establishing ourselves in the East District!" "As long as we trust Boss Chen, we can thrive even in the apocalypse!"

"Follow Boss Chen!" "Follow Boss Chen!"

The base was suddenly alive with enthusiasm.

Meanwhile, deep into the night, at the Madman’s base.

It was the hour when people were most likely to let their guard down, so Chen Yi quietly slipped out of his room, glancing around. No one was standing guard.

"It seems the Madman really trusts me," he mused. "I’ve just joined the base, and not a single person is watching me." "There’s a reason they call him the Madman."

Just then, Iron Wolf’s voice suddenly sounded from the rooftop.

"What are you trying to do?"

Chen Yi looked up in surprise, silently admiring the sharpshooter’s skill—he hadn’t noticed him at all.

He smiled and explained, "Nothing, just going to the bathroom."

Iron Wolf pointed the way, apparently believing him. But he added, "If you’re here to cause trouble, I won’t hesitate to shoot."